When trying to get into the yachting industry, one of the best assets to have is connections. Not only can they let you know about jobs that may not necessarily be posted online, but you can also get an excellent recommendation from someone already in the industry. Here's your guide to how to network for yacht crew jobs.

How to Network Away From a Port

While one of the best options for building your network will likely be in a city with lots of ports and yacht crews, you may also want to make some connections before moving or visiting a port city. There are plenty of online groups and forums that you can join where you can introduce yourself and let people know you may be in their area. Some groups also post jobs or let users post CVs or resumes.

The downside to these groups is that they're usually large, and getting people's attention is hard. Many job postings on these forums will also be competitive. While it's an excellent way to get a head start on building your network, the best option is to meet people in person.

Fort Lauderdale, USA

As the yacht capital of the world, Fort Lauderdale is one of the best cities in the world to network. The city hosts the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the largest yacht shows globally, attracting both professionals and enthusiasts from around the globe. The port city has numerous crew agencies, training centers, and yacht-related businesses, making it an excellent place to kickstart your career.

There are also amazing local nightlife scenes to check out to meet other yacht crew. Tap42, Bar Rita, and Waxy's are all infamous bars within walking distance of the yachting district of Fort Lauderdale, and it's a great place to meet people in yachting.

On October 24th, 2023, MHG Insurance will be hosting a networking event for yacht crew, right before the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. The event promises to be a great opportunity to meet others in the industry. 

Antibes, France

Antibes, located on the French Riviera, is a hotspot for yacht crew networking. After the vibrant summer tourism season, yacht crews are easy to find in the small, picturesque town. Especially as the world’s luxury yachts enter the Mediterranean for the annual Monaco Yacht Show, Antibes is one of the busiest networking areas in Europe.

Yoga and fitness classes are popular among docked crew who find gym memberships hard to keep up with. Many have classes at the beach or parks, and they may be an excellent opportunity to make connections to the industry. There are also bars like Le Blue Lady and The Hop Store or crew houses that offer networking opportunities.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca, nestled in the Mediterranean, is another popular destination for yacht crew networking. The city is vibrant, full of marinas, crew houses, and training centers. Palma also hosts the Palma Superyacht Show, a significant event that attracts industry experts and potential employers.

Hogan's Burger Bar is a yacht crew's favorite Irish bar that makes all their food from scratch. Corner Bar and Escape Bar are other hotspots to check out. The city is also filled with outdoor sports to get involved in, like scuba diving, paddle boarding, and surfing, which crew love.

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, known as the "City of Sails," is one of the most significant yachting destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. With stunning harbors and world-class sailing facilities, it's hard not to love Auckland. The city hosts the Auckland On Water Boat Show, which attracts yacht enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

While the main attractions for crew on off days are outdoor activities and sports, there are a few hotspots to check out, including Captain's Bar and Carousel. These locations can be great places to meet yachting friends or network.

For anyone in the yachting industry, you're going to need to think about how to insure yourself or your crew. Visit mhginsurance.com to find out what options you have in yacht crew insurance.

Have any other recommendations? We'd love to hear them! Visit us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram to send us a message.

Many who seek to merge their passion for travel with their professional goals look towards working on a cruise ship. The job is a captivating choice, from breathtaking destinations to diverse job opportunities, and it's easy to understand why it's a coveted career path for many. Still, it's much different from an on-land 9-5. Here's what it's really like to work on a cruise ship.

The Rhythms of Cruise Ship Life

While the allure of travel is undeniable, life on each ship comes with a very unique rhythm and routine. The ship operates 24/7, which means that the work never truly stops. Employees often follow a rotating schedule, working for several weeks before enjoying a period off at various ports. While this is a demanding schedule, it offers a chance to build close relationships with coworkers and form a tight-knit community.

A Melting Pot of Cultures and Professions

Cruise ships are like microcosms of society, housing a diverse range of people and professions, which means there is almost always a place for you. From the ship's officers and crew to hospitality staff and entertainers, the ship becomes a melting pot of cultures and professions. Interacting with colleagues from various backgrounds fosters a sense of camaraderie and offers opportunities for personal growth and learning. Whether you're a chef, a housekeeper, a musician, or a fitness instructor, there's a place for diverse skill sets and experiences on board. 

Challenges on the Horizon

Working on a cruise ship isn't always smooth sailing. Close living quarters, long working hours, lack of consistency, and separation from loved ones often present challenges. Crew members may experience homesickness and isolation from being at sea for extended periods. Moreover, adapting to the constantly changing environment can be daunting, as employees must quickly adjust to new destinations, passengers, and cultural norms.

Rewards Beyond Measure

Despite the challenges, a career at sea offers rewards that go beyond financial compensation. The opportunity to see the world, make lifelong friendships, and develop valuable skills is an invaluable aspect of shipboard life. Many employees find that the experiences gained at sea profoundly impact their personal and professional growth. Moreover, interacting with passengers from diverse backgrounds allows for meaningful connections and creating lasting memories, a chance that is hard to come by working in a less diverse field.

Navigating the Future

As the travel industry evolves, so does the world of cruise ships. The industry constantly innovates to provide cruise guests new experiences, from onboard entertainment to shore excursions. These enrichments can transcend to new technologies and trends, which can be exciting and challenging for employees. As sustainability becomes a more pressing concern, cruise lines also focus on eco-friendly practices, providing opportunities for employees to contribute to a greener future.

Working on a cruise ship offers a unique opportunity for adventure, camaraderie, and personal growth. Consider stepping aboard and setting sail into a world of endless possibilities, it may just be the right challenge for you.

Since 1991, MHG has been an expert in health insurance plans for officers and crew. If you would like to speak to an insurance specialist today about insurance coverage that could benefit you, visit mhginsurance.com.

As you embark on exciting travel adventures, your wallet is one of the most crucial things to organize. It should contain all the essential items needed to ensure a smooth journey and address any unexpected situations that may arise during your trip. Here's your guide to everything you need in your wallet for a successful trip!

Credit Cards (and Backups)

At the top of your list of what you need in your wallet is how you'll pay for things on your trip. Ensure you carry a credit card from a major credit company. Even better, take a backup card from a different provider in case of loss, theft, or any issues with one card. If you're unsure of what bank to choose, get a card from an international bank with a branch at your destination, as you can often receive more favorable exchange rates when taking out cash. Before you leave, you should notify your credit card company about your travel plans to prevent any potential fraud alerts that could freeze your card.

Cash

While credit cards are essential, having some cash on hand is equally vital. Even though most destinations are equipped with contactless or card-reading technology, cash is often required for public restrooms or tipping. In addition to a small amount of local bills, carry a mix of local currency and USD or Euros, as they are widely accepted in many destinations. If you need to withdraw more cash, ensure you choose a reputable ATM to avoid unnecessary fees and keep it safe in a hidden compartment in your wallet. You can usually find an ATM at the airport when you arrive.

Driver's License

Many people forget to bring a driver's license as a form of ID if they don't plan on driving in their destination. Even if you have a passport as your main form of ID, a driver's license can be helpful in various situations like renting equipment or age verification for certain activities. Make a photocopy of your driver's license (and passport) and keep it separate from your original in case you lose it.

Tickets

Whether traveling by plane, train, or bus, keeping your tickets handy is a must. Even if you rely on digital tickets, it's wise to print out extra copies as a backup to keep in your wallet if you run into issues with your device. For physical tickets, like boarding passes, use a dedicated slot in your wallet or a ticket holder to keep them organized and easily accessible.

Travel Itinerary

Having a printed and digital copy of your travel itinerary is essential for staying organized during your trip. Include details about your flight information, hotel reservations, tour bookings, and contact numbers. This will help you keep track of your schedule and provide valuable information if you encounter any unexpected situations or need to show proof of your plans.

Travel Medical Insurance Cards

Traveling without medical insurance is risky, as accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen anytime. Carry your travel medical insurance cards in your wallet and any necessary contact information for the insurance provider. Before you travel, familiarize yourself with the coverage details, how to get help in an emergency, and the claims process, so you can act promptly if needed.

It can also be helpful to print any allergies or medications taken on a card in your native language and the language of your destination to keep handy in case you lose anything vital.

The best vacations are the ones where you are well-prepared and protected. Visit mhginsurance.com for travel health insurance for a relaxing trip.

"What's in your wallet?" is a registered trademark of Capital One Financial Corporation.

What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover?    

It’s almost that time of year. Summer is around the corner, which means school’s out, and vacations are happening!

Before the fun is had, it’s important to take care of some “housekeeping” items, so that you can relax and enjoy your time without worry. Especially if you are planning on taking any international trips. Don’t leave without travel medical insurance! And don’t buy a travel medical insurance policy without first learning exactly why you need it.

Travel Medical Insurance is an insurance policy that acts as your health insurance while you are abroad. People are often surprised that their existing health insurance policy does not cover them when they leave the U.S, which is why it is important to get a travel medical policy whenever traveling internationally. After all, medical emergencies can happen anywhere, even when traveling for business or vacations. Coverage can include medical bills associated with car accidents, injuries, food poisoning, illness, etc.

What is the Difference Between Travel Medical Insurance and Trip Cancellation Insurance?

Trip Cancellation Insurance is an insurance policy that protects your investment when your trip is cancelled or interrupted for various reasons. Typically, this type of policy also includes medical coverage for accidents and illnesses. It differs from travel medical insurance, which provides international medical insurance coverage for when you are traveling abroad, outside of your home country. These two very different types of insurance are often mistaken for each other, as they can be referred to as travel insurance (travel medical insurance) and trip insurance (trip cancellation insurance).

What Affects the Cost of Travel Medical Insurance?

The main factors that affect the cost of a travel medical insurance plan are:

• The amount of coverage
• The length of the trip
• Your age
• Primary destination

There are other factors that can affect the cost of travel medical insurance; however, these factors are typically what will be the greatest influence on cost. First off, the amount of coverage will always be an indicator of price. As you get more or better coverage, the price will go up, as you get less coverage, it will go down. The length of the trip impacts cost because the more time you need insurance, the more opportunity there will be for insurance to be used. Age is a factor because as people get older, they are deemed to be a greater risk. And finally, depending on where you’re traveling can also impact the cost of your policy. If you’re traveling to the US, the policy will be more expensive as the cost of healthcare is higher. Don’t let any of these factors deter you. Travel medical policies are relatively inexpensive, and the application process can be completed in just a few steps!

If you have any questions about travel medical insurance, or are interested in purchasing a travel medical insurance plan for your next business or leisure trip abroad, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. Safe travels!

Working onboard a cruise ship is a lot different today than it was many years ago. Gone are the days of individuals electing to work at sea just for the experience and the lifetime of memories one can make. Obviously, those are still some of the great benefits of choosing this line of work, but today, crew members and officers are career oriented, with goals and opportunities to work 10 or more years onboard. With a shift to career focus, whether or not “tangible” benefits are offered has become a key influence when choosing an employer.

Stand Out

The cruise industry is more competitive than it has ever been, and trends and forecasts have it becoming even more so over the next 5-10 years. Which begs the question, “As an employer, how do I stand out from the competition?” Attaining loyalty from your crew and officers and ensuring they return year after year, or contract after contract, is a great way to build a foundation for success and take the lead. One of the simplest ways to achieve that goal is by offering a comprehensive benefits package!

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Offering a comprehensive benefits package can be one of the quickest and easiest ways to get the ball rolling on making sure you are a sought-after company for officers and crew, long term! Sure, comprehensive benefits sound nice, but what does it actually mean?

Providing more than just the basic medical coverage for your crew can be cost-effective and ensures your crew return after their holiday in their healthiest state. Ensuring your crew are healthy is not only important but also vital to your business. If you do not currently provide any additional medical benefits besides the legal requirements, you may wish to consider a vacation medical policy. This is medical coverage for your international crew once they sign off the ship from a completed contract until they return for their next contract. This kind of coverage allows the crew members to visit doctors while signed off and take care of any medical needs or treatment necessary and ensure they are physically ready to return for their next assignment onboard. Policies can also include the employees’ dependents, which would be 24/7 worldwide.

Going a step further, consider primary medical insurance for your crew or senior officers. This kind of policy is primary to the required P&I insurance. While an additional cost, these plans provide excellent medical coverage 24/7 with global networks worldwide and put you in a more attractive position as an employer.

MHG has been providing insurance solutions for the maritime industry for over 30 years. We pride ourselves in offering superior service for your business needs. For questions or assistance, please contact us at mhginsurance.com, or call +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 and ask for the cruise division.

Selecting insurance for an entire group can be an intimidating task. After all, choosing something for yourself can be difficult, but when everyone has different requirements or interests, trying to make everyone satisfied and happy is a challenge for sure. That’s where we come in!

First off, there is a lot of research to be conducted, quotes to consider, difficult conversations to be had, and potential compromises to be made. That’s before getting into the nitty-gritty of ever-changing rules and regulations. Which is why you should have a basic understanding of yacht crew insurance benefits, because even when you leave it for the experts, you need to know what you are getting yourself into. The different benefit options to be aware of are:

· Medical/Health Insurance

· Life Insurance

· Accidental Death and Dismemberment

· Personal Accident

· Temporary Disability Insurance

· Hospital Indemnity

Medical/Health Insurance

Medical/Health Insurance is typically at the forefront of all benefits packages. Oftentimes being the only benefit offered. While most people are familiar with health insurance, there are still a number of details that need to be reviewed and considered. How much is the deductible? Is there a co-pay? What is the co-insurance? Does it include dental, vision, and/or disability? Feeling overwhelmed? Please feel free to contact us for assistance and guidance on what plan would fit your yacht crew best.

Life insurance

Many consider life insurance as a personal or “luxury” option, but there are a growing number of yachts that are including life insurance coverage as a part of their overall benefits package. Offering coverage for your crew can give them some assurance that if anything happens to them while they are at sea, their loved ones will be better protected financially back home. Typically, coverage amounts are fixed in increments of $10,000, up to $100,000.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Accidental death and dismemberment, also known as AD&D, is very similar to life insurance. The difference is that there is only a benefit from an accidental death, or dismembering injury. This type of insurance typically provides coverage 24/7, not just while at work.

Personal Accident

Often referred to as PA cover, personal accident insurance will pay out a sum of money for permanent injury (and sometimes permanent illness). It is often confused with medical insurance; however, it doesn’t provide coverage for any medical bills or doctors’ appointments, it simply provides a one-time payment after experiencing a permanent injury or illness.

Temporary Disability Insurance

Temporary Disability insurance is a great way to offer coverage for your crew in the event they get sick or hurt and cannot work for a short period of time. Having this policy will cover a percentage of the person’s wages if they are unable to perform their occupation and can last for up to two years due to an injury or illness. If the disabling event becomes permanent, the personal accident (if purchased as above) may kick-in and pay a lump sum.

Hospital Indemnity

Hospital indemnity insurance is similar to disability insurance, in that it provides an added benefit. Depending on the policy, it provides a benefit each day your crew member is in the hospital. For example, if someone were hurt on the job and had to go to the hospital, the insurance would pay that person $100 per day that they are admitted in the hospital. This does not cover their hospital bills; it just provides the person with an added benefit.

Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea or docked at a shipyard. MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit mhginsurance.com.

A new year is upon us, which means that many of you are planning out the year ahead and have a general idea of your goals and targets. But one area you may not have considered thinking about is your insurance. More specifically, how using a broker can help you!

Time and time again, we come across people who have the wrong idea of what an insurance broker is and why they are actually advantageous to the consumer. So, how can using a broker help you have a successful year, you might ask? Simple, we work for you! Think of us as another employee or someone you have contracted to work to get you the best coverage, the best price, and continue to work on your behalf all the way through any potential claims. It is important to take the time to find a quality, reputable broker to work with you in fulfilling your insurance needs. Not only will it be time well spent in the beginning when finding a plan, but it will also serve you well for the entire time that you have private health insurance needs, on a yacht or wherever your travels may take you.

What Does a Broker Actually Do That You Cannot Do Yourselves?

First, they spend all day, every day dealing with insurance. They know the insurance industry, they live and breathe insurance, and they understand all the confusing terminology and phrases, which hopefully they can explain to you in a straightforward, no-nonsense way. They also know the insurers, and the people who work there, which is a significant advantage over you calling a toll-free number and hoping for the best.

Second, insurance brokers evaluate and research the marketplace on a regular basis. A reputable broker knows the dynamics of the insurance industry, what the headlines are, what is no longer relevant, and which carriers provide consistent service. Nothing is more frustrating than finding an insurance plan that fits your needs, only to realize at time of claim that the company does not deliver.

Finally, as stated before, a broker advocates and works on your behalf. When a situation arises where a helping hand is needed, you can turn to your broker for assistance, leaving you to continue to concentrate on your work.

But What About Costs?

Have you ever heard the saying, “brokers make you broker”? That saying could not be further from the truth. In contrast, working with a broker can save clients both time and money, in addition to frustration. Insurance brokers receive their compensation from insurers, but that does not (or should not) cloud the judgment of a good broker to recommend whatever policy is most appropriate to the situation as presented by you, the client. At the end of the day, utilizing an expert for the same price as doing everything yourself can only have a positive impact on your bottom-line.

Brokers Can Offer More of a Selection

One benefit of an insurance broker is the selection of policies and plans. Typically, brokers can help you select insurance from a variety of different companies. Different insurance companies offer different plans, so having access to plans from multiple companies can afford you the opportunity to find the coverage that fits you best and fits your budget best.

Also, depending on the insurance brokerage they may sell different types of insurance, allowing you to have a one stop solution for all your insurance needs.

Brokers Do Much More Than Sell Insurance

While brokers may act as the middleman between you and the insurance company, they can be so much more than that. An insurance broker will conduct research for you, file and assist you with the claims process, and work to get you the best coverage option for your situation. Often times a broker has direct connections with decision makers at the insurance companies so you may not have to sit on a 1-800 line for a long time, only to learn someone doesn’t have the authority to help you. Brokers also know which carriers provide consistent service, allowing you to avoid companies that may not deliver the level of care that you deserve at time of claim.

We Work for You!

As brokers, we do not work for any insurance company, we work for you! Our goals are to please you, and make sure all your questions and concerns are handled. If you think about it, with all the benefits of using an insurance broker, it is certainly better than just going out and buying a policy from an insurance agent. Will an agent fight for you and your best interests?

What sets MHG apart from other brokers?

MHG is one of the leading companies to push for crew benefits across both the yachting and cruise industries. 30 years ago, the marine industry started to boom, and MHG has been there from the beginning championing the wellbeing and livelihoods of crew members around the globe. 

With our growth in the industry and MHG becoming more and more diverse, MHG also began to offer other areas of coverage such as travel, travel medical and life.

As you can see, using an insurance broker offers a number of benefits, from saving you time, money, stress, etc., helping you focus on your upcoming year ahead. Are you interested in working with an insurance broker to help you achieve your goals? Contact MHG today! Give us a call at 954-828-1819, or visit mhginsurance.com.

One trend that comes and goes over the years is insurance companies offering cheap plans to grow their business. However, businesses can’t afford to continue to operate on low (or negative) margins, so the customers are the ones who end up suffering. Low-cost insurance rarely ever means low cost in the long run. It seems to happen more and more, insurance companies offering lower cost insurance, but when customers go to use their benefits, the struggle begins. Insurance is an intangible product, which means one must put trust into it. So, when promises aren’t kept, or proper due diligence isn’t followed, you can see why low-cost insurance is rarely ever low-cost.

Pick Two

Good, quick, and cheap. It’s impossible to have all three. Often, the one that gets sacrificed unknowingly is good, as people value their time and money. Therefore, when it comes to trying to save money on insurance, one can expect to receive delayed quotes, slower service, claims issues, just to name a few. Saving time and money now, very well could cost you a lot of time and money when it comes time to use your policy.

Save Now, Pay Later

Now it’s time to get to the nitty gritty on how a low-cost insurance policy will cost you later. The main reason, those who opt for cheaper insurance end up paying more in the long run because of a lack of coverage that was unknown to them when trying to use their insurance, or even worse, no coverage at all. Picture yourself being involved in an emergency situation that ends up with you being in the hospital requiring medical attention. The last thing you want to worry about in that scenario is being on the hook for the entire hospital bill which could end up being tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.

David vs. Goliath

“If I don’t receive the benefits that were in writing, I can always hire a lawyer!” While this is true, insurance companies are usually very large, so going toe to toe with one is no easy task if you have a dispute with the plan that you have purchased. Even if the consumer is completely in the right about a particular claim or situation, the costs and time involved can be substantial.

The Benefit of a Broker!

Insurance Brokers often get a bad reputation but using a reputable insurance broker can help you avoid situations like this. For one, the majority of brokers are well-versed with the ins and outs of the insurance industry and can help you avoid a negative trend that you may otherwise know nothing about. Not to mention, brokers work for you! Brokers typically operate at no extra cost to you, just as it would be if you went straight to the insurance company to get your plan. Only with a broker, you have someone else working on your behalf.

Having proper insurance is important in every aspect of life. Whether you are at sea needing international coverage, looking for proper life insurance coverage, going on a vacation, etc. MHG is your specialized broker. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

What is trip cancellation and interruption insurance?

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance, also known as just trip cancellation insurance, is an insurance policy that protects your investment if your trip is cancelled or interrupted. It is geared toward extravagant and luxury vacations. While trip cancellation includes medical coverage, it differs from travel medical insurance, which provides international medical insurance coverage for when you are traveling abroad, outside of your home country.

What is the difference between trip cancellation and yacht charter cancellation?

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and yacht charter cancellation insurance are the same thing. It just happens to be that yacht charter cancellation insurance is designed to offer coverage for yacht charterers, so the policy will behave the same way as a trip cancellation policy.

What is covered by trip cancellation and interruption insurance?

A good trip cancellation insurance plan should protect you from many issues that may come up causing you to cancel your plans or if your trip is interrupted. Examples of items typically covered by a good trip cancellation insurance policy include:

· Sickness, injury or death of insured, a family member, a travel companion, a business partner, or a child caregiver

· Primary residence or destination being rendered uninhabitable

· Documented theft of passports/visas

· Involved in a merger, job loss or job relocation

· Documented traffic accident

· Inclement weather that causes cessation of services provided by your common carrier

· Mechanical breakdown of the common carrier

· Evacuations due to natural disasters

· Emergency military duty for national disaster

· A terrorist incident

· NOAA hurricane warning at destination

· Court order to appear as a witness

· Jury duty

· Quarantine

· Hijack

Why you need trip cancellation insurance

The cost of vacations is going up, as people continue to plan trips and get out of their routines after being on “lockdown” for the past couple years. In a recent Forbes article, Adobe Analytics was quoted that, “Prices have risen a staggering 47% since January,” in terms of airfare alone. Not only are prices going up due to a number of reasons, but people are also willingly spending more on vacations since they haven’t been able to go anywhere. Which means, potentially more money to lose if something gets in the way of your plans!

Plan for what’s not on the itinerary. Life is unpredictable and plans often change. One of the basic issues that insurance protects us against is the fact that life is unpredictable. So, while you may not be able to prevent a situation from happening, you can prevent an issue from becoming a worst-case scenario. For more information on the different types of coverage that trip cancellation insurance offers, contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.

Making a decision on behalf of a group of people can be a difficult task. The pressure of making everyone happy tends to be a challenge no matter what the decision pertains to. So, making a decision for a group when it comes to their healthcare and wellbeing, the stakes get raised. We know how hard the process can be trying to decide a yacht crew insurance plan for an entire group, when each individual has different wants and needs. That is where we excel, using our experience to navigate benefits, budgets, and stress levels. Use the following points when trying to select a yacht crew insurance plan for your group!

Factors to consider include how many crew will be on the plan, as well as the ages of the crew, and what type of policies you are looking for. You should also be considering plan features such as dental and/or disability, as it is difficult to find and keep good crew members! Call us at 954-828-1819 if you have any questions or would like a quote.

Medical/Health Insurance

Medical insurance speaks for itself. Many of us are familiar with it because of the amount of times that we use it. However, there are many different aspects of a plan to consider. What’s the deductible? Is there a co-pay? What about co-insurance? Does it include dental and vision? If you feel overwhelmed, please feel free to contact us for assistance and guidance on what plan would fit your yacht crew best.

Life insurance

While having life insurance is a personal option, there are yachts that include life insurance coverage as part of their benefits package. Offering coverage for your crew may give them some assurance that if anything happens to them while they are at sea, their loved ones will be more able to cope financially back home. Typically, the coverage amount is fixed in increments of $10,000, up to $100,000.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Accidental death and dismemberment, also known as AD&D, is very similar to life insurance. The difference is that there is only a benefit from an accidental death, or significant dismembering injury. This type of insurance typically provides coverage 24/7, not just while at work. Generally, the benefit is 3 times the person’s salary.

Personal Accident

Personal accident is a crucial insurance policy for your crew members. Oftentimes referred to as PA cover, personal accident insurance will pay out a sum of money for permanent injury (and sometimes permanent illness). It is often confused with medical insurance, but it doesn’t provide coverage for any medical bills or doctors’ appointments, it simply provides a one-time payment after experiencing a permanent injury.

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance is a great way to offer coverage for your crew in the event they get hurt and can’t work for a short period of time. Having this policy will cover a percentage of the person’s wages if they are unable to perform their occupation and can last for up to two years due to an injury or illness. If the disabling event becomes permanent, the personal accident (if purchased as above) may kick-in and pay a lump sum.

Hospital Indemnity

Hospital indemnity insurance at first glance would make you think that it covers hospital visits, however that is not the case. Think of this type of insurance as a poor man’s disability insurance. Depending on the policy, it provides a benefit each day a crew member is in the hospital. For example, if someone was hurt on the job and had to go to the hospital, the insurance would pay that person $100 per day that they are admitted in the hospital. This doesn’t cover their hospital bills, it just provides the person with an added benefit.

Features That Are Not Features

While the above list is not exhaustive of every option and feature, one thing to note is that some insurance providers tout features that do not hold true. For example, there is no such thing as a Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) compliant yacht crew insurance. It sounds good, but it means nothing. Another thing to be wary of is a plan that says ‘unlimited coverage’. Almost always with international policies, there are restrictions and limitations on the benefits such that the ‘unlimited’ part is actually quite ‘limited’.

Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea, or docked at a shipyard. MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.